Historic Debut for McKenna Whitham
McKenna Whitham made history on Sunday, becoming the youngest player to debut in a first-division soccer match in the United States, just one day after her 14th birthday. In the 80th minute, Whitham entered the game for NJ/NY Gotham FC, replacing Katie Stengel during a 2-1 victory against the Washington Spirit in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. Despite being on the pitch for only 17 minutes, her impressive attacking skills were on display as she pressured the Spirit’s defense.
Signing a Groundbreaking Contract
Just two days before her debut, Gotham announced that Whitham had signed as a national team replacement player for the current Olympics window, along with a groundbreaking four-year contract set to commence on January 1. The California native is believed to be the youngest player to compete in any North American professional sports league since the 1970s, including debuts in the NBA, WNBA, NFL, and NHL.
Head coach Juan Carlos Amoros expressed pride in Whitham’s achievement, stating, “We obviously have identified Mak as a special talent. It will take some time to reach her potential, but I think it is what got us to this part of the journey.”
Recognition from Teammates
Gotham goalkeeper Cassie Miller shared her admiration for Whitham, noting her hard work and dedication since joining the team in February. “She’s been in the group training with us and putting in the hard work, just as any one of us have been,” Miller remarked.
At 14 years and 1 day old, Whitham is nearly a year younger than Cavan Sullivan, who recently debuted for the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer at 14 years and 293 days old. Sullivan broke a record previously held by former U.S. international Freddy Adu.
Training and Early Career
Whitham has been with Gotham since February, where she began as a non-roster invitee for the team’s preseason. She made her first appearance in a preseason match at the Women’s Cup in Colombia, scoring the game-winning goal against Deportivo Cali. After her performance, she stated, “I’ve always kind of been playing up at a high level, so I’ve just been motivated to be the best and just give 100% effort.”
While Whitham’s debut draws comparisons to young male players like Sullivan, it highlights the progress for girls in professional soccer, with debuts from other young players in the NWSL becoming more common in recent years. The league’s introduction of the U-18 Entry Mechanism allows teams to sign underage players, a significant shift from its previous regulations.
The Impact of Legal Changes
The youth movement in American women’s soccer was greatly influenced by Olivia Moultrie’s legal battle with the NWSL, which allowed younger players to join teams. Whitham is the first player signed under Gotham’s implementation of this rule. The club’s general manager, Yael Averbuch West, emphasized the importance of establishing a solid development pathway for young athletes, stating, “It’s not just (about) winning this year in NWSL… it’s also how do we prepare for the future.”
This commitment to youth development ensures that young talents like Whitham will have the support and pathway needed to succeed in professional soccer.
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Source and credits: www.nytimes.com
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